Has "M^" become involved in church activities?
I am happy to say that anytime we are at church "M^" is very happy to be there. She loves being at church whether it is with our whole family or just her and I for youth group.
In August she went on our senior high's service trip. It was a small group of girls. They were all willing to try Ethiopian food one evening. "M^" was very happy to share that with them. Many of the other girls really enjoyed the meal!
We even had coffee afterward.
During the weekend we cleaned at a homeless shelter for men. The work the girls did was very appreciated by the residents and staff. We also sorted holiday items for the local thrift store. The girls had a taste of what life was like in a large downtown area. It was very eye opening for many of them from a small rural town.
"M^" did a great job helping out with all of the projects. It was also amazing to see the other 5 girls interact with her and develop friendships. I am extremely thankful to all of them for being so welcoming and kind.
In the evening we had a good time playing in the pool. "M^" was able to go swimming for the first time ever. Her friends were very excited to be with her for that big "first" in her life.
"M^" goes to worship with our family each and every Sunday. It is very different from the worship services we attended in Ethiopia. However, she seems to understand more and more of each church service. The congregation is so welcoming to her and those around us always greet her and the rest of the Burke girls. Now that Sunday school has started all of the younger girls go to a Sunday school class. "M^" paired up with one of our high school girls and is volunteering in a class each week.
Wednesday afternoons and evenings are pretty full as well. "M^" comes with her middle school friends to our faith community's afterschool ministry. The middle school students all have dinner together and then head to confirmation class. "M^" goes to class with her peers and has some high school girls that go with and help her. After confirmation classes there is a short worship service and then the high school youth gather for youth group. "M^" stays for youth group and enjoys watching movies, games and Bible study with all of them. Wednesdays are busy but so fun! "M^" always enjoys hanging out with the other youth and doing faith formation things.
I know that "M^" has an extraordinary faith. Watching her worship while we were in Ethiopia, witnessing her read her Bible everyday and seeing her face deep in prayer. I am blessed to know that my daughter knows Jesus. She probably knows God and is in tune with her faith far greater than I could ever imagine. Because of situations in her life she has had to rely on God more than most people will ever choose too. God has walked alongside her in the journey of life so far. He will continue to. Now, Kevin and I are lucky enough to be able to join them as well.
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